HOUSTON, April 11, 2017 (PCW) –- Pembina Pipeline Corporation on Tuesday announced it would develop an LPG export terminal on Watson Island in British Columbia, Canada.

Pembina had previously been pursuing a similar facility in Portland, Oregon, but last year retracted its plans after intense local opposition.

Pembina has signed a non-binding letter of intent with Prince Rupert Legacy, a subsidiary of the City of Prince Rupert, and begun site assessment and engagement with key stakeholders, such as aboriginal communities.

The Calgary-based company said it was looking to develop a 20,000 b/d terminal with an estimated price tag of $125-175 million. Construction is expected to last for two years once a final investment decision had been made. Pembina did not provide a timeframe for the FID.

Watson Island is located about 15 kilometers (9 miles) south of Prince Rupert, British Columbia, and has an existing and rail connections to Redwater, Alberta. Pembina said it had already a long-term export permit.

Pembina isn’t alone in pursuing an LPG export facility in British Columbia. Calgary-based AltaGas said earlier this year it would build a 1.2 million mt/yr (38,200 b/d) propane export terminal on Ridley Island. The facility is expected to go into service in 2019.
-- Samantha Hartke